17 Alabama gun owners tell us 'why I carry'

"Does he have a gun or not? That's the question I want them to keep asking."

Why do you carry a concealed firearm? I've asked that question many times, and many have asked me.

I wanted to find out why many Alabamians make the important decision to carry a concealed weapon. Over three weeks, I logged 1,400 miles traveling from Empire to New Market, from Mobile to Dothan, from Oxford to Heflin. In the end, 17 Alabamians posed for portraits and told me why.

Lakeisha Kennan-Turner, 33, is a housewife from Birmingham and a mother of five. Her motivation is close to home.

"I conceal carry because of the safety of my kids," she explained. "I want to protect my family."

Denise DeMonia, 59, is a systems analyst from New Market who wants protection when she travels.

"I'm on the road a lot so I like to have a gun with me when I travel," she said. "My dad was a sharp shooter in the Army. He instilled carrying guns and utilizing gun in us when we were kids."

Ty Cooper, 24, is a product specialist from Oxford. He's determined to take a stand against crime and violence.

"I will not be a victim," he said. "I will defend me, my family or friends if need be."

Chris Pringle, 53, from Mobile, is the state representative-elect for House District 101. He said he works in the woods, often times by himself, alone.

"There is no telling what I'll walk up on in the woods, whether it's a wild animal, a pig or, unfortunately (people who) cook meth and grow marijuana," he said. "It's all for protection."

Mack Clay, 44, from Bay Minette is disabled. He put it this way: "I've had several back surgeries and I'm not able to defend myself toe-to-toe like a lot of people. I made the decision to purchase a firearm. I want to be able to control a situation before it gets out of hand. 'Does he have a gun or not?' That's the question I want them to keep asking."

These Alabamians carry everything from Colt 1911's to .22 caliber, pearl-handled Derringers to the popular Ruger LCP. Most tried several different guns before settling on a favorite. Most said they received instruction before deciding to conceal carry.

All agreed on one thing. They feel safer because they carry. Check out the portraits above to see what the rest had to say.